serve him.

On one occasion, Burridge, whether he had had too much Jamaica rum on
board or not it was difficult to say, managed to fall overboard into the
harbour swarming with sharks. As the tide was running strong at the
time, Burridge had already been swept some distance from the ship before
he was perceived. Jack, regardless of the sharks, leaped overboard, and
swimming towards the sinking seaman, kept him up, splashing about so as
to make the monsters of the deep keep at a respectful distance till a
boat arrived to take them both on board. Jack declared it was not a
thing to be talked about, any body might have done the same, and
therefore it was not mentioned at the time of its occurrence. It
however raised Deane's character among the crew, and made them all ready
to volunteer in any expedition where he was to lead.

As soon as the damages which the prize had received were repaired, the
frigate stood on her course, and Jack made sail for Port Royal. The
prize was called the "Coquille," and carried twelve guns, so that Jack
hoped, should he be attacked by one of the enemy's privateers, or any
small man-of-war, he might make a good fight of it, and beat off his
opponent if he could not take her.

The first day the weather was very fine; the wind then fell, and there
was a dead calm. The sun struck down with intense heat on the deck of
the vessel, making the very pitch in her seams bubble up. The crew
began to feel the effects of the heat, and moved languidly about the
decks, exhibiting a listlessness very different to their usual activity.
Jack with one of his officers was sitting below at dinner, when Hawke,
the other, who had the watch on deck, entered the cabin.

"I thought it as well to tell you, sir," he said, "that I don't quite
like the way the Frenchmen are carrying on. I have observed them for
some time past whispering together, and I cannot help thinking that they
expect to find us napping, and to set on us and try to retake the
vessel."

"It's as well to be prepared," answered Jack. "Thank you for your
forethought. But it will scarcely be right to put them in irons, unless
we have evidence of their intention. I will tell Burridge, and hint to
the men to be on the look-out, so that we shall be even with the
Monsieurs if they make the attempt which you fancy they purpose."

Burridge soon made his appearance in the cabin, hat in hand, and
receiving his directions hurried back to speak to the